Nov. 20, 2018 - PayNet reports that the PayNet Canadian Small Business Lending Index (CSBLI) edged up to 123.1 in September 2018 from 122.6 in August 2018. The index is up 6.3% year-over-year, marking its fifth consecutive year-over-year gain after 10 months of decline.

Oct. 29, 2018 - The Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers (OHCOW) and the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) have collaborated to create a free e-course to help identify and safely control sources and products containing nanomaterials in the workplace, to protect workers from harm.

The PC government of Ontario elected earlier this year has announced it will "wind down" the Ontario College of Trades, set all journeyperson-to-apprentice ratios to one-to-one and put a moratorium on adding new compulsory trade classifications or reclassifying existing classifications. It has also promised an unspecified "replacement model for the regulation of the skilled trades and apprenticeship system" by early 2019.

When I eventually pass, there are three things I will not be remembered for: one, being the designated driver, two, being a neat freak and, three, being able to accurately predict currency exchange rates.

Sept. 6, 2018 - Canadian municipalities issued $8.2 billion worth of building permits in July, down 0.1% from June. The decrease was mainly attributable to lower construction intentions in British Columbia.

Aug. 8, 2018 - In June, Canadian municipalities issued $8.1 billion worth of building permits, down 2.3% from the previous month. The decline was the result of lower construction intentions for residential buildings, following a strong May.

July 19, 2018 - The value of permits issued by Canadian municipalities increased 4.7% to $8.2 billion in May. This followed a 4.7% drop in April, the only month this year where municipalities reported a total value below the $8.0 billion mark.

June 29, 2018 - The Canadian and Quebec governments are working together to make long-term investments in infrastructure that will create jobs and economic growth, build inclusive communities and support a low-carbon, green economy—leading to a higher quality of life for all Quebec residents.

Summer in Coquitlam: my favourite time of year. On top of the usual long weekend shenanigans, my family and I are known to enjoy an occasional delicious ice cream cone from time to time. There is a great hand-crafted ice cream shop near our home at Rocky Point Park in Port Moody.

May 24, 2018 - Aecon Group Inc. was informed Thursday that the Governor in Council has issued an order under the Investment Canada Act directing CCCC International Holding Limited ("CCCI") not to implement its proposed acquisition of Aecon. As a result, the Arrangement between Aecon and CCCI will not proceed.

May 24, 2018 -The value of building permits issued by Canadian municipalities increased 3.1% to $8.4 billion in March, following a 2.8% decline in February. The rise was mainly the result of higher construction intentions for multi-family dwellings, particularly in Quebec and British Columbia, and, to a lesser extent, by the commercial component.